Went to the ramp early today to catch the high tide and launched the Whaler first and took it on a 10 mile run. Boat runs great and is so much better than the 13 it replaces. It's been 30 years since I was in a 15 and I forgot how much better they ride. Motor ran great and I only need to bump the idle down 200 RPM for better shifting.
With my son we took a couple blasts. I just noticed I can see my reflection in the seaback.
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/LiOsL1ml.jpg)
My son then went to work at the local beach and my 10 year old nephew jumped in and we went zipped over to another harbor and also checked on the tug which I'm having launched on the 25th. The dog joined us as well and loves being on boats.
We swung through the harbor where the tug is kept and this week I'll focus on the stern and mount the repaired swim platform, RIB davits and also buff the hull.
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/c4KGEubl.jpg)
From there, we went back to the launching ramp where my other boat was already waiting on the trailer and launched that and towed the Whaler to the mooring for the day.
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/BoVROD9l.jpg)
Whaler was put back on the trailer and in the garage tonight and I'm going to address a couple things:
- Having custom cushions made for the seats
- Washing, waxing and applying Woody wax to the non-skid
- Figuring out what hinge to use on the rear compartment hatch cover
- Ordering another prop - see below.
I ran the boat over the same ground (back and forth) to make sure wind and current were not a factor and she ran 42mph turning at 19" pitch prop at 5500RPM. This with a 2.33 gear-case equates to a 1% slip which does not sound right, but was trimmed pretty high. Boat was a tad slow to plane and I feel a 17" pitch would provide a better holeshot and also get me to the 6000RPM that I should be turning, I'd really like 6200 with just me so when loaded it finds the sweet spot in the upper end of the RPM range. I also think the motor could come up another hole, but will leave as is since I am not excited to drilled for another blind hold for the motor. Ideally a hydraulic jackplate would be great, but not sure about these in the saltwater.
More to follow.
D-